The popularity of energy drinks is unfortunately on the rise among adolescents and young adults who find themselves in need of higher energy levels to handle the demands of school, work, social life, and more. In 2014, energy drink sales reached nearly $50 billion worldwide according to BeverageDaily.com.

And then there’s the bad news. There is some evidence pointing to harmful physiological and psychological effects of energy drink consumption. Caffeine mixed with other ingredients may produce symptoms such as insomnia, hyperactivity, rebound anxiety, and risk-taking behaviors. A recent randomized, controlled study in which subjects drank an energy drink or caffeinated control, both containing 320 mg of caffeine, found that ECG and blood pressure measurements were significantly worse in those consuming energy drinks.1

What Is an “Energy Drink”?

Energy drinks are non-alcoholic beverages containing B vitamins, caffeine in concentrations similar to strong coffee, a variety of herbal ingredients that can have both stimulant and anti-anxiety properties, and often large amounts of sugar. They often contain stimulants such as guarana, taurine and L-carnitine which can increase alertness, attention and energy, as well as increase blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing.

Are Energy Drinks Regulated?

In the United States, energy drink companies, at their discretion, label products as either “beverages” or “dietary supplements.” If they choose the “beverages” designation, they are required to abide by the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 (NLEA) and label their drinks with conventional Nutrition Facts panels. However, if they designate their products as dietary supplements, they must follow the labeling requirements of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, and the requirements that go with this designation are significantly less stringent than for beverages.

As a result, most energy drink companies have classified their products as dietary supplements, which allows them to bypass the FDA’s maximum caffeine limit for beverages (51 mg per 12 ounces). This limit is less than half the amount of caffeine per ounce found in the 10 top-selling energy drinks.

What Are the Potential Problems with Energy Drinks?

Sometimes a quick boost of caffeine and sugar may seem helpful in getting through the day, but there are health risks. Adverse effects related to the intake of large amounts of caffeine include speeding heartbeat, arrhythmia, increased blood pressure, anxiety, headache, insomnia, and nausea. Some people may consider the risks of consuming energy drinks acceptable, but the likelihood of experiencing adverse consequences increases as the quantity and frequency of energy drink consumption increases.

What Can You Do?

Decide to make better choices for yourself and your family. There are many healthy options for increasing energy levels, such as eating a healthy diet that includes omega-3 fats and minimizes sugars; getting a sufficient amount of sleep; regular exercise, and reducing emotional stress.

What Informational Resources Are Available?

Need some info to share with a friend or family member who uses energy drinks?

Whether we like it or not, GMOs are a part of the American dietary landscape and they are something we all need to become more informed about. And, and it turns out, learn to avoid.

According to the Grocery Manufacturers Association, 70-80% of the food we eat in the United States, both at home and away from home, contain GMO ingredients.

A GMO is the result of a laboratory process where genes from the DNA of one or more species are extracted and artificially forced into the genes of an unrelated plant or animal. The foreign genes may come from bacteria, viruses, insects, animals or even humans.

Why GMOs? Stock answers from food manufacturers include that science is finding ways to make heartier plants that are better able to withstand pests, weeds, and weather and come to harvest in less time. Who could argue feeding more people quicker with the ever-growing world population? The idea that we can feed more of the world through GMOs is false because GMO crops yield less than non-GMO crops of the same food. It is interesting to note that most of the 28 European Union countries want nothing to do with GMOs.

Animal studies have shown negative effects of GMOs. Rat tests showed GMO fed offspring to be smaller and less healthy. On a diet of GMOs, a rat’s testicles turned from red to blue. Human studies have not been done on a long term basis so we really do not know how dangerous GMOs can be.

A major GMO controversy revolves around Round Up, the herbicide produced by Monsanto. Round Up’s active ingredient is glyphosate, which when consumed, has been shown to cause nutritional deficiencies, especially minerals, and system toxicity. The World Health Organization’s cancer authority, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, has determined that glyphosate “is probably carcinogenic to humans.”

Monsanto’s first Round Up ready crop – which means the plant seeds have been engineered to stand up to Round Up exposure so that the herbicide can be used to get rid of accompanying weeds – was soy, first introduced in 1996. Current Round Up ready crops includes soy, corn, canola, alfalfa, cotton, sorghum, sugar beets, and wheat with others in development. Round Up ready seeds are sterile so that farmers can no longer use the best seeds from a previous crop. Each year they must buy new seeds from Monsanto.

Monsanto’s genetically modified “Bt corn” has been equipped with a gene from soil bacteria called Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), which produces the Bt toxin. Bt is a pesticide that breaks open the stomach of certain insects and kills them. This GMO corn entered the food supply in the late 1990s. And the problems with Bt crops go far beyond the creation of Bt-resistant insects.

Researchers are finding that the Bt toxin can indeed wreak havoc on human health. The Bt toxin is now found in people’s bloodstreams in North America. And if it kills insects by breaking open their stomachs, how much more damage can it do to humans who regularly ingest Bt laden corn and other GMO products?

So as of today, the jury isn’t out on all the potential damage from eating a diet that contains GMO foods.

What can you safely eat if you wish to avoid GMOs? Most fresh produce, with the exception of those current GMO products listed earlier in this story, are non-GMO. Dried beans, grains, nuts, and seeds are non-GMO. However, meats, unless they are organically raised, have been fed GMO corn. So even though they are marketed as ‘natural,’ they can still contain GMOs.

The non-profit Institute for Responsible Technology (IRT) was founded in 2003 by bestselling author and GMO expert Jeffrey Smith. An interesting study on the IRT website indicates that the proliferation of GMO foods and the effect of chemical residue (glyphosate) from Round Up weed killer used in growing these foods may be a major contributing factor to the now 18 million Americans with gluten sensitivity.

And our state has its own history with the GMO saga. In 2014, despite the protest of consumers across the state, California lawmakers rejected the GMO Labeling Bill. Just two years before, Monsanto – makers of Round Up and Round Up ready GMO seeds –spent $46 million to kill Proposition 37, a California ballot initiative that would have mandated GMO labeling.

So what else can you do to protect yourself and your family?

Keep current on what’s going on with GMOs by signing up for an e-newsletter from your choice of informational non-GMO websites. Cook whole organic foods at home whenever possible. And when you go shopping, look for foods that voluntarily label that they are non-GMO.

What if you could get a glimpse into the health status of your brain and other organs? What if you could do something to improve the health of your brain on a cellular level?

Your body is composed of billions of cells. Every cell has a cell wall which protects the insides of the cell. The cell wall is like the walls of your house — it protects and encloses the things inside. The cell wall also has doors that allow food and other substances in, and allows waste and other substances out.

If the cell wall and cell doors are perfect, the cell is healthy and it can make new cells that are also healthy. This is the ideal scenario for your body. Unfortunately, most people do not have great cell walls, and because of this, their cells are unhealthy and they are at risk for all kinds of health problems.

All disease is a disturbance at the cellular level. Our cells are stressed. John Hopkins University states that all major alterations that predispose us to disease are at the cellular level. The foundation of all health is cellular health.

Beginning in the 1950’s, our diet changed. Americans today commonly eat a diet that is way out of balance. This insufficient diet, much due to changes in how our foods are grown, processed, and marketed to us, has led to ill health and a poor future for coming generations.

We do not eat enough good fats. The right fats are essential to our cell walls. If we do not get the right fats the cell wall is deficient. This results in an unhealthy body. We then turn around and pass this poor cell quality on to the next generation.

A healthy baby cannot come from an unhealthy mother. Many women do not know that their cells are unhealthy and they unknowingly pass on a predisposition for illness. Notice how much more diabetes, learning disorders, and autoimmune problems exist in children today.

Our high intake of omega-6 fatty acids and carbohydrates, as well as a lack of fiber and essential nutrients, have created an “illness machine.” Our habits and lifestyle are causing an increase in autoimmune disease, brain changes, and earlier deaths.

We now have a simple blood test that can tell the status of your cell walls! This is quite amazing. The physician who developed this test studied the effect of fatty acids on the performance of soldiers in combat while he was in the Army in Iraq. The results were so impressive that he continued his research after leaving the Army and developed BrainSpan™. The name refers to the lifespan of the brain.

You place a drop of blood on a card which gets mailed to a lab. The lab test assesses the fatty acids that compose the walls of your blood cells. You then go online and do a short series of cognitive tests that measure your thinking skills.

This assessment tells us your risk for health problems and early signs of brain aging and poor brain health. It also tells us if you are producing too many pro-inflammatory chemicals which can lead to significant health problems including autoimmune disorders and heart disease.

Once we have the results we can develop a program to improve any poor scores. If you have some scores that are not in the optimal range, you should be retested in three months to measure your progress. Once you reach the “good” range you retest once a year.

Now it is possible to find out your health status on a cellular level! This is an amazing opportunity to really help you see, for real, how your body is doing and then be able to do something about it.

Do not wait until it is too late. Pregnant women should have this test as should everyone who cares about their health and the health of their family.

Through September 30, the cost for a BrainSpan test is only $149 (normally $199). Ask us about it the next time you are in the office.

As a Burbank Chiropractor and R.N. who has spent a lot of hours studying how the human body functions, I can tell you that many men would greatly benefit from knowing more about their hormones. With all the constant fuss in the media about women’s hormones, it’s time men get their day because you guys have hormones, too!

In fact, men have some of the same hormones as we women. That’s right, men have estrogen and progesterone in their bodies, only in much smaller amounts than women do.

And then there is testosterone.

Testosterone is an androgen hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, the testes in men, and the ovaries in women. It is considered the primary male hormone.

Testosterone stimulates the development of male characteristics such as body hair and muscle growth and is essential in the production of sperm. In women, testosterone plays a role in egg development and ovulation.

Healthy males who have gone through puberty have 20 times the levels of testosterone compared to a healthy female. Low levels of testosterone in men can cause male infertility, while high testosterone levels in women are associated with female infertility.

Testosterone production may diminish with age, causing the loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, depression, decreased cognitive ability, lethargy, osteoporosis, and loss of muscle mass and strength.

Before you give in and try that little blue pill, give a healthy change of diet a try. Good nutrition can be your best friend. Zinc, vitamin D, and a whole plethora of nutrients available in natural foods can help put the spring back in your step and the zing back in your love life.

Natural products for men only during the month of June, Men’s Health Month …

I recommend a line of natural supplements, available only through doctors, called Standard Process, that feature a number of products which are extremely effective for encouraging healthy prostate and testes function. Throughout the month of June 2017, I’m offering 20% off men’s health products Prost-X, Prostate PMG, Zinc Liver Chelate and Symplex M.

Ask me about which one is best for you (or your loved one) when you are in the office.

June is Men’s Health Month, so it’s time for men to learn more about their bodies and how to stay healthy for life!

Let’s start off the month by talking about….the prostate gland.

The prostate gland is about the size of a walnut. It’s located just below the bladder and it surrounds the urethra, a tube that carries urine and semen out of the body. As part of the male reproductive system, the prostate gland’s main purpose is to secrete a slightly alkaline fluid that forms part of the seminal fluid, a fluid that carries sperm.

According to the nonprofit Men’s Health Network, more than 30 million men suffer from prostate conditions that negatively affect their quality of life. And men, this includes your sex life!

Maintaining a healthy weight and enjoying moderate exercise is good for the prostate and your overall health.

Get to know your body. Do you know what a baseline is? A baseline is what is normal for you. When you establish a baseline, you have something to compare changes to, and it’s easier to share that information with a doctor to determine if you are having an issue.

Natural products for men only during the month of June, Men’s Health Month … Before you consider taking a little blue pill…I encourage you to try natural supplements to increase your sexual vitality.

I recommend a line of natural supplements, available only through doctors, called Standard Process, that feature a number of products which are extremely effective for encouraging healthy prostate and testes function. Throughout the month of June 2017, I’m offering 20% off men’s health products Prost-X, Prostate PMG, Zinc Liver Chelate and Symplex M.

Ask me about which one is best for you (or your loved one) when you are in the office.

We are at the very height of allergy season. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has named the month of May National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. With the drought-busting rainy season we experienced and windy days we’ve had lately, it’s no wonder that people are coughing, sneezing, and suffering from one of the most intense allergy seasons we’ve seen in California in years. As a Burbank nutritionist, I deal with these problems all day long.

It seems that everywhere I turn, I’m hearing from patients and friends who have never had a problem with seasonal allergies, asking me, “What can I do?” From a constant cough and pesky post-nasal drip, to sticky eyes and sneezing, these symptoms just don’t seem to let up.

So what can you do about your allergies?

Over-the-counter and prescription medications only mask the symptoms and don’t get to the root of the real problem. And some have potential side effects that are far worse than the allergies they supposedly alleviate.

As a Burbank nutritionist, I recommend a line of natural supplements, available only through doctors, called Standard Process. They offer a number of whole food-based products which are extremely effective for the relief of seasonal allergies.

Antronex: Supports detoxification via the liver and allows the liver to produce more natural antihistamines.

Cal-Amo: Maintains proper ph balance.

Drenamin: Helps the body fight everyday stressors that can overload the immune system and improves energy, mood, sleep, and well-being.

Emphaplex: Combines vitamins, minerals, and glandular nutrients to support respiratory system health. It assists the body’s natural ability to expel respiratory secretions.

Fen-Gre: Fenugreek is the main ingredient and it is used to maintain the body’s natural respiratory function. It also maintains healthy mucous and phlegm in the lungs and bronchial tubes.

Pneumotrophin PMG: Supports healthy lung function.

Which of these is best for you? The next time you are in the office, tell me about your allergy issues and I’ll get you on the natural road to feeling and breathing so much better!

Memorial Day Weekend hours…We will be open regular hours this Friday, May 26 and Saturday, May 27. We will be closed on Monday, May 29 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. We will be open Tuesday (next week only), Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, regular hours all days. Enjoy the holiday!

A study published in the March issue of European Heart Journal – Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy indicates that the use of NSAIDs – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and more – may increase the risk of cardiac arrest. This is yet another reason why this Burbank chiropractor recommends avoiding NSAIDs in favor of natural pain relief methods.

The findings from this recent study add to those of previous research, which has also found a link between NSAID use and a higher risk of heart problems, including heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. The new study, conducted in Denmark, is the first to look specifically at the impact of NSAIDs on cardiac arrest risk. The researchers analyzed information from more than 28,000 people who experienced cardiac arrest somewhere other than a hospital during a 10-year period.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration previously warned that NSAIDs, particularly at higher doses, may increase people’s risk of heart attack or stroke.

We humans will always have pain. If you are active and play sports, run, or work out, you have an even higher risk of pain caused by inflammation. But there are natural, food-based nutritional alternatives to NSAIDs. When you come in for an appointment, we can talk about which is best for you and your personal needs.

Lower back pain is one of the most common problems plaguing adults today. Causes include muscle strain, accidental twisting of the spine, improper lifting of a heavy object, or sitting too long in chairs with inadequate support. As a Burbank chiropractor treating patients here for over 30 years, lower back pain is one of the most common issues we address daily.

At Thorburn Chiropractic and Wellness Center, we offer many natural treatments including chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy, and electrical muscle stimulation. Utilizing these methods in unison can bring the swiftest pain relief possible and encourage the body to rapidly heal itself.

If you or a friend or loved one is suffering from chronic or acute pain, give us a call and come in. We have a better, natural solution.

Acupuncture Special through the month of May 2017…Through the end of May, we will be offering a special for first-time acupuncture patients. The regular price for a first visit is $120, but the special offer is only $79 for an initial consultation and treatment. Please call our office for an appointment.